The Glasgow and Turin giants will clash in the first leg of the initial knockout stage of the prestigious competition at Celtic Park on February 12 before the return bout at Juventus Stadium on March 6.

Greece international Samaras is well aware how difficult the Champions League is after Celtic were beaten in the same phase by Barcelona back in 2008 but he feels Neil Lennon’s side is good enough to go at least one step further.

"It's huge," he said. "Some people never make this. I have been lucky enough to do it twice. The first time was great, we played Barcelona and were unlucky.

"Now I think this team is better than what we had before.

"We know it is going to be hard, but we have played really well at Celtic Park and hopefully teams fear coming to Celtic Park now.

"We believe in ourselves. We've got great legs all over the park, we can press teams high up the park and we can also get back.

"We always believe, we have faith in ourselves and as individuals as well.

"If you see our team spirit, we are out in a nice, rainy day in Lennoxtown and the lads are still looking forward to training and enjoying every moment.

"Pretty much everyone in the dressing room seems to have improved as players throughout the campaign."